Government Law Attorney

Job Description The Office of the City Attorney serves as the chief legal counsel for the City of Jackson, Mississippi, providing comprehensive legal services to the Mayor, City Council, City departments, boards, commissions, and employees in matters affecting municipal government. Our mission is to deliver timely, practical, and ethical legal advice that protects the interests of the City while supporting effective governance and public service. The Office advises City leadership on a wide range of issues, including contracts, procurement, economic development, public records, employment matters, litigation, risk management, land use, and municipal operations.
Our core values are integrity, professionalism, accountability, public service, collaboration, and excellence. We are committed to providing sound legal counsel that promotes transparency, compliance with the law, and responsible stewardship of public resources. We strive to be trusted partners to City departments by offering solutions-oriented guidance that advances the City's goals while minimizing legal risk.
The culture of the Office is collaborative, fast-paced, and service-driven.
Attorneys and staff work closely with elected officials, department directors, and employees across all areas of municipal government to address complex legal and operational challenges. We value continuous learning, teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to serving the residents of Jackson. Our work is grounded in the belief that effective legal representation strengthens public trust and helps ensure that City government operates efficiently, fairly, and in the best interests of the community.
Classification: Deputy City Attorney I/II - Transactional Division
Under the general direction of the City Attorney, the Deputy City Attorney for the Transactional Division serves as a senior legal advisor to the City of Jackson and provides legal counsel on transactional, operational, and regulatory matters affecting municipal government. The Deputy City Attorney oversees the review, drafting, negotiation, and administration of contracts, agreements, ordinances, resolutions, procurement matters, economic development projects, real estate transactions, grant-funded programs, and other non-litigation legal matters. The position supervises attorneys and support staff assigned to the Transactional Division and works closely with City leadership to facilitate legally compliant and efficient municipal operations.
Oversees the operations of the Transactional Division of the Office of the City Attorney.
Provides legal advice and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, department directors, boards, commissions, and City personnel on municipal operations and governance.
Drafts, reviews, negotiates, and approves contracts, professional services agreements, construction contracts, interlocal agreements, leases, licenses, memoranda of understanding, settlement agreements, and other legal instruments.
Advises departments regarding procurement, purchasing, competitive bidding, requests for proposals, requests for qualifications, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local procurement requirements.
Provides legal support for federally and state-funded programs, including grants, cooperative agreements, and compliance with applicable funding requirements.
Advises on economic development initiatives, incentives, public-private partnerships, tax incentive programs, redevelopment projects, and other strategic City initiatives.
Provides legal counsel regarding real estate acquisitions, dispositions, easements, rights-of-way, leases, title matters, and property management issues.
Reviews and drafts ordinances, resolutions, policies, rules, and administrative procedures for legal sufficiency and compliance.
Advises City officials and employees regarding compliance with Mississippi municipal law, public records requirements, open meetings laws, ethics laws, and other governmental regulations.
Identifies legal risks associated with City operations and develops practical recommendations to mitigate exposure and ensure compliance.
Assists departments with the development and implementation of policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and legal compliance.
Provides legal support for infrastructure, public works, utility, transportation, housing, and capital improvement projects.
Reviews proposed legislation, regulations, and policies affecting municipal operations and advises City leadership regarding legal implications.
Assists the City Attorney with strategic planning, workload management, and administration of the Office of the City Attorney.
Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
License to practice law in the State of Mississippi and in good standing with The Mississippi Bar.
Deputy City Attorney I: Up to five years or more of legal experience.
Deputy City Attorney II: Up to ten years or more of legal experience.
Experience in municipal law, litigation, prosecution, or public entity contract work preferred but not required.